I'm eyeing a used 1968 Delta Rockwell Unisaw with a 1.5hp motor and a 53" Biesemeyer fence for $700. It seems to be in good shape, but I'm limited to running it on 120v. I've heard an old 1.5hp motor can perform well on a 120v circuit. Is there any reason I should avoid buying this saw?
3 Answers
Go for it! The fence on that model is really solid. A 1.5hp motor is decent; unless you’re running it in a production setting or cutting super thick hardwoods constantly, you should be fine. I've got a '66 model that came from a school woodshop, and the motor is quite robust compared to modern saws. Plus, there's not much difference in how it runs on 120 vs 240 volts.
I've had good experiences with my similar saw running on 240. Make sure to check if it has a riving knife; I recommend getting a Shark Guard, they’re a bit pricey but worth the investment for safety.
This saw is built way better than most of the junk out there now. The Biesemeyer fence is easy to adjust and keeps its accuracy. While 1.5hp isn’t the strongest option, at 120v, it fits the bill for most tasks. If the saw's in good shape and the fence is intact, I’d definitely buy it. Just make sure it has a decent miter gauge or you can find aftermarket ones. Always prioritize safety with table saws too!
Thanks for the reassurance, I’ll definitely keep safety in mind!
I worked in a cabinet shop for years and I'm still all intact! Just keep focused and remember that accidents can happen even after doing something hundreds of times.